michael paul

In the summer of 2004 there was a 3 song Demo recorded by four guys, on a shoestring budget, for the sole purpose of attaining live performance opportunities for their music. Once completed, the Demo, aptly titled "Broadcast Ready", was replicated and distributed independently to various local churches and music venues. The name of the band, "Iconoclast", is a term which in literal translation means "image-breaker", that originated during the 5th and 6th century at the time of the Byzantine Empire.
An Iconoclast is one who breaks down popular culture and destroys idols. The great Theologian and Author, C.S. Lewis wrote a book called "A Grief Observed", published in 1962. Here is an excerpt from the quote, which Iconoclast also uses as a stance for their name:

"...my idea of God is not a divine idea, it has to be shattered time after time. He shatters it himself. He is the great iconoclast...

When a contest provided Iconoclast with an opportunity to take their music further, the guys jumped on board, full speed ahead. The annual Rising Star contest sponsored by the Christian Station 94.9 FM KLTY in Dallas, Texas took place in the Fall of 2004 and received some 800 entries, of which 5 finalist were chosen, including Iconoclast. Entries were accepted as a single song format, on CD and critiqued by radio and industry professionals on quality, style, musicianship, and lyrics. The 5 finalists competed in live performance before a panel of judges from the music industry, hundreds of screaming fans, and a convention audience.
Iconoclast took home the win as Rising Star 2004 with the song "Walk On In" which consequently landed them an opening spot at the July 4th, 2005 Celebrate Freedom Festival, Recording Studio time at Soundtown Digital Studios in Hurst, Texas, and radio airplay for the winning song, "Walk On In". Iconoclast soon went into the studio where they recorded their debut album "Burn Your Bridges", featuring the hit song, "Walk On In", with Producer David Parker whom has worked with Major names such as Chris Tomlin, Joel Engle, Shane and Shane, Billy and Cindy Foote, and the Drummer for Steven Curtis Chapman, Will Denton.
Iconoclast coincided the release of their debut CD at the 94.9 FM KLTY Celebrate Freedom Festival where they would be performing and that very same morning interviewed with Frank Reed before their song, "Walk On In" was played for the first time on the Radio. With much demand by local fans in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex for continuous airplay, "Walk On In" soon was fighting for the top spot in Andie Jaxson's 10@10.

Finally, "Walk On In" hit #1 and remained there for several weeks before being picked-up by numerous other Christian Stations Nationwide, landing the song in the Top 20 Billboard Music Charts where it also remained for several weeks.
Eventually, Mardel Bookstores, and Lifeway Christian Stores started selling the CD "Burn Your Bridges". Lifeway Christian Stores even judged the album as the Best "NEW" Album for 2005. The album was also made available on iTunes for digital download and promoted through the worldwide acclaimed internet site MySpace. E-commerce sites such as Grassroots Music and CD Baby also quickly picked up the CD in response to rising demand and soon Iconoclast was being called on for more live performance opportunities. Overall, some of the artists that Iconoclast has opened for are as follows;

The Afters, By the Tree, Casting Crowns, All 3 solo artists formerly of DC Talk---Toby Mac, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max, Bebo Norman, Matthew West, House of Heroes, Jars of Clay, Inhabited, Dizmas, Dalton, and many more...

In the Summer of 2006, Iconoclast released an iTunes exclusive titled, "The Faithful EP", with a sneak preview of 2 Brand-New Tracks "Faithful" and "Obvious", plus a rockin' remix of the song "Reveal". "Faithful" is a song by artists Ben and Robin Paisley, originally performed by the group Waterdeep on the CD--Enter the Worship Circle. "Obvious", is an original rock ballad proclaiming the message, "I should've known I could not live alone", recognizing that the need for someone greater than ourselves is and should be "Obvious".

After 3 years as the Front-Man for Iconoclast I have branched out as an independent artist, with one goal in mind. "Whoever has an ear, let him hear." I bring with me a message that seeks to shatter your reality, paired with music that will move you. For extended Biography please visit:

www.myspace.com/michaelpaulmusic